Rep. Dick Fascia

Maddy summaryHB 5608 removes all regulatory limits on harvesting blue crabs in the state, directly affecting commercial and recreational crab harvesters. The bill eliminates existing rules, quotas, or restrictions on blue crab harvesting while maintaining that only state residents may harvest them. Key provisions replace current regulations with a simple statement: "There shall be no limit, rules or regulations, restricting the harvesting of blue crabs." The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, with no new restrictions on crab harvesting beyond the residency requirement.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6102) commemorates the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) and the cultural significance of St. Joseph to Italian-Americans in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes St. Joseph as a symbol of family, faith, and hard work, particularly honoring the role of Italian immigrants in shaping Rhode Island's cultural heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.

Maddy summaryHB 5856 prohibits employers, schools, landlords, and other entities from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, or mask mandates without offering specific opt-outs. Individuals can decline mandates based on medical reasons (including pregnancy), religious or personal beliefs, proof of immunity via lab tests, willingness to undergo regular testing, or using employer-provided protective equipment. The law applies to relationships like employment, education, housing, and healthcare, requiring entities to provide exemption forms and allowing complaints to the attorney general if exemptions are denied. Violations may result in fines up to $50,000 per incident for larger organizations.

Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.

Maddy summaryHB 5880 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, examining their effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with laws (including equal employment and minority business rules). This directly affects all state agencies, such as departments and boards, but excludes legislative branch entities and public utilities. Key mechanisms include mandatory exit conferences with agency officials, written responses to audit findings within 60 days, and annual reports to the legislature detailing audit results and agency responses. The bill mandates these audits begin January 1, 2026, with the auditor general reporting non-compliant agencies to the governor and legislative leaders each year.

Expands the lobbying reform act to apply to persons who lobby municipal government executives and legislative bodies, as well as local fire districts.

Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.

Requires a seventy-five percent (75%) supermajority vote by the board of directors to establish a quorum and to approve any action taken by the commerce corporation.

Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.